Minnesota Twins All-Star Joe Mauer set a career high with 147 games played in 2012, but just 74 of those games were at catcher.

In 2013, Mauer wants to spend more time behind the plate.

Joe Mauer says he is planning to be the Twins' everyday catcher in 2013. (AP Photo)

"I think I'll probably do more catching," Mauer told MLB.com. "A lot of the reason I went over to first base, especially early in the season, is we really didn't know what (Justin) Morneau's situation was. That's the way I've been preparing for the season, to be the everyday catcher. I can go over to first if they need me to do that. I can DH if they need me to do that too. But the way I've been preparing is catching every day."

Battling back from an injury-plagued 2011 in which he played just 82 games, Mauer last season spent time at first base (30 games) and designated hitter (42 games). As a result, the 2009 American League MVP stayed healthy and hit .319 with 10 homers, 85 RBIs and an American League-best .416 on-base percentage.

"I think it worked out real well last year as far as handling Joe and keeping him on the field and plenty of at-bats, all those at-bats we got and not beating him up too much," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I don't see any reason to change it too awful much from there. Games are going to dictate it, and the way we're playing is going to dictate it, and how people are swinging. But the important thing is, Morneau and Mauer both, keep them on the field, keep them in there."

Mauer said he's had a "nice, normal" offseason. "The last couple years have been concentrated on specific work or a sickness or stuff like that. It's nice to get after it."